Farmers' outfit demands release of activist Gogoi

New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) An umbrella organisation of farmers’ rights activists on Wednesday demanded the release of peasant leader Akhil Gogoi, arrested on sedition charges, and also urged the Assam government to issue a white paper on his arrest.

The Bhumi Adhikar Andolan also threatened to initiate a nationwide movement if Gogoi is not released at the earliest.

Gogoi fought for tribals’ forest rights and the Assam Government, instead of extending a helping hand, arrested him, said leaders of the organisation.

“The Indian Constitution has given every Indian citizen right to freedom of expression,” said Hannan Mollah, former Lok Sabha member and leader of All India Kisan Sabha, while briefing media here.

“Despite having difference in opinion over a government policy or norms one cannot be arrested. Doing this is against the Constitutional rights.”

Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi was arrested on September 13 in Golaghat district of Assam by the state police, for allegedly instigating the people to take up arms.

Mollah said the Bhumi Adhikar Andolan will help the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti take up the case legally.